12.31.2015

I've dished on the blog swaps I did with Felicia of the blog Ellie and Ashley of the blog Happy. Pretty. Sweet. for the great holiday blog swap, but today I'm focusing on my swap with one of my favorite people - Carrie of Couture Carrie!

I have known Carrie since I first started blogging, and despite the fact that we live on opposite sides of the country, I consider her to be such a great friend. Last year, she suggested a Christmas swap, which has now evolved into a full-blown holiday tradition that I look forward to every. single. year. {I'm already counting down the days until I can start shopping for the next one!}. With that little back story, it's {clearly} time to show off the goods!

Speechless. That is the one word I can use to describe exactly how I felt when I first opened my package, and it was all due to unwrapping that downright divine, completely unexpected, breathtakingly beautifulZimmermann Seer Marble Plunge Bodice Top. It is the perfect juxtaposition between sexy and scanty and sweet and playful. Carrie suggested styling it under a sheer blouse for a wear-now look - which is how I plan on wearing it tonight to ring in the new year.

As for the polish...in my estimation, you can never have enough nail lacquer. Game of Chromes has been on my wish list for ages {how can you resist that name?}; and while crimsons aren't my year-round go-to, I wear nothing but from November through December, so the vampyRhapsody Red was a welcome treat. Also pertinent:Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat is my favorite product for finishing off my mani's, so I'm loving having a backup bottle.

12.28.2015

Back in fall 2013, when this was released as a Limited Edition shade for the Fashion Designer series, I literally hunted a bottle down - then forgot to use it. So ridiculous, right? I know. Anyway, I uncovered it a few weeks back and I am in love.

Loden Green is the perfect representation of the military trend that seems to appear on the runway every. single. year; thus, it will forever be in style. Though rich and creamy in color, Loden Green was a bit patchy during application, and definitely required two thick coats for full-coverage.

12.27.2015

I, for one, feel completely shopped out; but if you're still looking to spend a little moolah {or those magical things we call gift cards} then you're in luck because there are loads of sales currently going on that will get you the most bang for your buck! Peep a few of my favorite after Christmas sales below - I've even included a few of my favorite finds from each!

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

Some other great deals:

ASOS is offering Up to 50% Off Select ItemsNordstrom is offering Up to 50% Off Select ItemsTopshop is offering Up to 50% Off Select LinesTory Burch is offering an Extra 30% Off All Sale Items with code MERRY {good through 1/4}

12.25.2015

"Because we need Christmas we had better understand what it is and what it isn't. Gifts, holly, mistletoe, and red-nosed reindeer are fun as traditions, but they are not what Christmas is really all about. Christmas pertains to that glorious moment when the Son of our Father joined his divinity to our imperfect humanity."-Hugh W. Pinnock

12.23.2015

My obsession with alice + olivia'strademarkgirl with high bun and oversize sunnies illustration is real; so when I found that a makeup bag bedecked in that precise print was included in the nails inc. alice + olivia Good Things Come in 3's Kit, I couldn't simply pass it by {especially when the sale price dropped it to $15!}. Perfect for gifting to your bestie {or yourself}, this is one of my favorite purchases of the holiday season, and you're bound to love it too. Peep the pretty swatches below!

Sky With Diamonds is a Smoky Charcoal Black with Red, Silver, and Green Microglitter. This is the onlyfull-size bottle in the trio - the other two are mini bottles. Sky With Diamonds is an unexpected favorite for me, as I'm not usually a fan of multi-color glitter; but, for some reason, it just works here. The formula here is so. flawless. But the color itself? Brilliant! The microshimmer casts this almost-metallic glow that is quintessentially festive + fabulous. If you want something offbeat for the holidays, this one's a must! This is 2 coats.

Sheer Beauty is a Peach-Based Nude Creme. Admittedly, I wasn't jumping for joy when I saw Sheer Beauty in this set because nude-y shades are so not my thing during the fall / winter months. But when I put it on? Le sigh. It was like I had died and gone to heaven. Sheer Beauty is the most perfect nude nail color I have ever seen - and my new official fave! The mix of feminine pink/peach and subtle skin is so on point, I just can't! Formula was fab - slightly thick, but manageable to work with. This is 2 coats.

Bohemia Noire is a Blackened Plum Creme. If vamp is your style then this one can't be missed. Bohemia Noire is one of the most luscious shades I have found in 2015. The color is rich and sophisticated, and that shine legit makes it otherworldly. Formula was flaw-less. Patchy on the first coat, but a cinch to even out with a second. Love!This is 2 coats.

Before we proceed, I just have to say that, Ashley, you are the. best. gift. wrapper. ever. Seriously you guys, I wish I would have taken the time to photograph the gorgeous wrap job this girl did on these gifts, but my inner 5-year-old, known for unwrapping presents at warp speed, wouldn't allow it. Le sigh.

One word can describe this collection of gifts: cozy. Coincidentally, that's my favorite word come winter, so I was basically swooning as I unwrapped each gift. I am one of those perpetually cold people, so I have been living in the AEO Cozy Socks - as a matter of fact, I'm wearing them right now! My nephews, unfortunately, got a hold of the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Giant Candy Cane before I could hide it; but the holidays are about sharing so I'll let that one slide.

As for the note cards? Girly, you. did. good. I collect note cards more than I use them, so receiving these was a welcome surprise - I love the gold detailing! Totally plan on using these in the coming year!

Thank you so much for all of the beautiful prezzies, Ashley! I'm so glad we wound up as swap partners for the second year in a row!

12.21.2015

Christmas week isn't Christmas week without red nail polish, amiright? I found this fierce and festive little shade in my stash {saved from last Christmas}, and am currently loving it.

Pyrotechnic is one of those classic colors that you need in your year-round collection, but feels all sorts of magical come Christmas. The formula here is flaw-less, and just misses being a OCW {with a thicker coat you might succeed}. This is one for the stash babes!

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the ultra-amazing throwback that is N*Sync's Home For Christmas? Like seriously, I LOVE this album, and haven't heard it since I was, like, 7?! Sorry to the fam, but it's on repeat through the New Year. For real. Moving on...

With Hot Chocolate at hand, Frosty Delight Body Mist in the air, and Footies on {can I just live in these?}, I have to confess that I have been eyeing this essie Holiday Mini Nail Lacquer Kit since it first showed up at Target, but have forced myself not to buy because, hello, I have far too much nail polish; so I am thrilled to have received it in my swap box because I wanted it! You will definitely be seeing swatches of these shades soon!

Thank you so much for all of the amazingness, Felicia! I absolutely adore it all, and have plans to wear the e.l.f. Lip Balm Tint in Berry tonight when I meet up with my besties to exchange gifts.

P.S. Two questions for you: 1} how did you know that I'm obsessed with sticky notes? I literally carry them in my purse! 2} is the scarf handmade? If so, you have mad skills girl!

12.19.2015

I have a picture in my mind. An entire scenario. And sometimes dialog. Yes, even that. For what? Gift giving. After the brainstorming, shopping, purchasing, but then to get a puzzled face in return. Where did I go wrong?

IFB bloggers continued to share some of their favorite gift guides, which I clearly need. Useful gifts, festive gifts, gifts under $15, neutral gifts, some with a bit of glitz, and for our domestic animal friends, gifts for furbabies. I’ve certainly heard and seen it all now.

Fashion trend themes are about dressing in neutrals for the holidays, layering with a kimono, leather pants, and glam oxfords or retro wedges. Also included in this roundup is a DIY project, a beauty care review, a bloggers social media dilemma and a no holds barred review of the Pakistan Fashion Week. Helpful advice is given on purchasing and authenticating second hand handbags, and what it means to be ethical in fashion. Now, those are gifts unto themselves.

May all your gifts be received with joyous expression, excitement, and the words, “nailed it!” be heard.

There's always that one person you forget around the holidays; thus, I like to keep mini setslike these on hand at all times. They're great for gifting to co-workers, friends, or casual acquaintances {I gift my dog groomer every year}, because they're inexpensive, come individually wrapped, and serve as a super cute thinking of you during the holidays gesture.

There are always those casual acquaintances in your life whom you want to bestow a thinking of you at this time of year gift that is sweet and sassy without being too over the top or inappropriately lavish. For these individuals, there's no need to spend more than an Abraham Lincoln. Proof? Just take a look at the pretties above - all under $5 and spectacular!

12.14.2015

Le sigh...I literally die a little bit whenever I see this color - it is just so. pretty.

Lacey is the quintessentialwinter vamp shade, being inky while retaining that shimmery ice queen vibe. The formula here is a little thin, but builds to opacity quickly - looking dark without ever dipping into the is that black territory? My one complaint is staining - Lacey tends to stain your cuticles and nails a bit; but, honestly, it's kind of worth it!

For my nearest and dearest I oftentimes put together entire gift sets for the holidays that feature corresponding prezzies that fit with a theme, so I capital L LOVE the $15 mark when it comes to shopping. I bought this Sephora Collection Wishes Come True Eye and Face Makeup Palette for a winter / pastel-themed gift I'm putting together for my sister; and while I don't have anyone in particular in mind for these Topshop Pavé Ball Front And Back Earrings, I'm seriously contemplating purchasing them for future gifting purposes. I mean, just look at that sparkle!

SHOP THE POST

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

12.12.2015

Wants and needs, and the reason for the season. IFB Bloggers want and need winter wear and, when possible, find a way to give even the most casual looks a touch of glamour. Shared trends included tweed, fur, puffy vests, cable knit sweaters, plaid, and black turtlenecks paired with the most beautifully voluminous and colorful skirts.

The gift guides continued, and they really ran the gamut this go around. Themes went from men and women focused to budget crunched and the ethically minded, and even a specific color. There were also some great handmade gifting ideas. What they all have in common is unique giving for every person in our lives. Whether it’s purchasing a special item or the manner in which your gift is given, it’s all done in the name of consideration. So, please don’t mix up your gifts for your aunt Marge and your friend Marisa, who now only goes by the consonants in her name. Not that I’ve done that before or anything.

12.11.2015

I live for the release of China Glaze minis; so snatching the Mini Mixers Mini Set when it hit stores was a total no-brainer. Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of shimmering, metallic shades {which this 6-piece largely consists of}; but in the spirit of the {sparkling} season I had to give it a whirl, and I tell you, it. is. incredible.

Don't Get Elfed Up is a Blackened Teal Shimmer. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous this color is? Seriously!Don't Get Elfed Up {love that name btw} is an off-beat holiday shade that you can't help but to love. Despite how dark it is, it's patchy on coat one, but builds up beautifully, and is super easy to work with. Though photographs don't capture it, this one has a bit of a multichrome shift in certain lights that is brilliant!This is 2 1/2 coats.

Peppermint To Be is a Ruby Red Shimmer. Hello, holiday-perfect red. Isn't she gorgeous?! Peppermint To Be may be my new favorite red shimmer {have I been saying that too often lately?}. I mean, just. look. at. her.Le sigh. The formula here is brilliant - easy coats, quick opacity, and shimmer galore. This one's a keeper ladies! This is 2 coats.

Better Not Pout is a Berry Metallic Shimmer. Pictures do not even come close to doing this color justice. This is the perfectperfectperfect shade if you want something different than your typical classic red creme. Though classic overall, Better Not Pout is insanely multifaceted - looking like a merlot shimmer in some lights, and a vibrant berry shimmer in others. The lit from within glow on this one is just TDF - as is the formula. Each coat is easy breezy {and non-staining}. This is 2 coats.

Son Of A Nutcracker is a Pink-Toned Red Shimmer. This color is seriously cray for the holidays - yet somehow it just works, especially if you want something funky yet festive. The pink undertones make it feel bright and summery; while the red lends that Christmas-sy touch. Like with Better Not Pout, the formula here was flawless. In fact, I almost achieved OCW status with this beauty, and am positive you could with a thicker coat. This is 2 coats.

Mix and Mingle is a Blurple Crelly. I'm not always huge on purple shades, but Mix and Mingle is simply too gorgeous not to love. Though this is one of my favorite shades from the collection, it also has the thinnest formula which resulted in patchiness, and a desire to flood the cuticles. As long as you're v. careful with application the finished mani is divine! This is 3 coats.

I Soiree I Didn't Do It is a Teal Green Jelly with Teal, Silver, and Blue Glitter. My feelings about this color in one word:Dead. OMG you guys, this color is mind-blowingly beautiful - we're talking the kind of beautiful that you literally cannot take your eyes off of. It's v mermaid-inspired, yet seriously apropos for the soiree season. I Soiree I Didn't Do It can be used as a top coat; but I love the way it looks when you build it up - the silver glitter particles look so much like laughing champagne bubbles! This is 3 coats.

White elephant gift exchanges, co-worker / supervisor gifting...it seems that so many holiday events come attached to a $10 and under limit that can feel difficult to abide by when you're seeking spectacular on a shoestring budget. Cast your fears aside, ladies; here you'll find some of my personal faves - all priced under $10!